The UPSC civil services results bring to light many inspiring stories of success which confirm to the world that hard work coupled with a dogged spirit and single-minded devotion to reach one’s destination will always reap rewards. The 2017 IAS results once again prove that when it comes to this exam, all that matters is a candidate’s work and preparation, and that his/her background, age, family status, etc. are immaterial.

This year’s second rank-holder is Anu Kumari who at age 31 has proved to the world that a married woman with a child need not “settle” down and stop chasing her dreams. Anu Kumari had a dream of becoming an IAS officer and she did not let anything stand in her way – neither tradition nor domesticity. An MBA hailing from Sonepat in Haryana, Anu Kumari is mother to a four-year old son. While working with a private insurance company, Anu Kumari decided to pursue her IAS dream since the monotony of a private job was getting to her. She decided to change her destiny and give the UPSC civil services a shot for the first time in 2016. Although she did not taste success then missing the prelims cutoff by just one mark, this time around, she did and how!

The decision and the road to the IAS tag was not an easy one since it meant being away from her husband and son. She remained with her aunt in Haryana while engaged in her preparation whereas her marital home was in Delhi. She remarks that her son was indeed a motivation for her to do well in the exam. She had in fact quit a job that paid almost Rs. 9 lakh in annual package to get into the coveted service.

Anu Kumari acknowledges the support of her husband Varun Dahiya, a businessman, in her success. She also thanks her mother and aunt who played a crucial role during her preparation days. She also hopes her success would push more families to provide education to girls. The Haryana government has already appointed her a brand ambassador for the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ programme in Sonepat. She says, “I come from Haryana, where we regularly see the regressive nature of society and the increase of crimes against women, and since I have this incredible opportunity now, I would like to make the most of it and work on it.”

Anu Kumari completed her graduation from Hindu College, University of Delhi with a B.Sc. (Hon) in Physics. She then secured an MBA degree from IMT, Nagpur.